Monday, December 24, 2012

As 2012 draws to a close I am prompted to look back, as many of us so often do, and reminisce of past memories. This year has been filled with good memories, as well as times of sorrow and heartbreak for our readers, our families, and our nation.
2012 brought many good times to our readers, as Apple Inc. (AAPL) stock soared to all time highs, and Facebook Inc. (FB) finally began to pull out of the death spiral it had entered into from the onset of its IPO in May. Many of you profited handsomely of off Apple's rise, as well as short bets placed on Facebook.
However, 2012 brought many other events into all of our lives as a nation that affected us far more than any rise or fall of the stock market ever could.
Earlier this year, we witnessed a young man walk into a Colorado theater and open fire on innocent people attending the premier of Batman. We have also seen yet another young man take the lives of innocent children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
These events, and many more like it have prompted us to think beyond our own needs and desires for Christmas. As you gather with your families tomorrow, and celebrate the date set aside to remember the birth of Christ, I urge you to look around you and be thankful for those God has placed in your life. There will be many unopened gifts under the Christmas trees this year, and many parents, brothers, and sisters, with an aching place in their hearts, as their loved ones will no longer be present for the celebration.
2012 has had many other moments of note, besides just the sad ones, however. We have survived the Mayan Apocalypse that was predicted to happen on December 21st, and we have managed to get through yet another presidential election.
However, as you reminisce on this year's events, I urge you to consider the reason you are gathering with your family tomorrow. It is not just for the exchange of gifts, or to see relatives who now live in distant locations. The true meaning of Christmas is to remember the birth of One who offers hope to an aching and hurting world. It is meant for us to spread that hope to others. Before you make your charitable donations this year, ask yourself the motive behind it. Are you hoping to gain that tax write off, or are you spreading the truth of love to those you are helping.
As you go about your holiday celebration, take the time to think of those who are hurting this year. Every opportunity you are given to share Christ's love with someone should be treated as a gift. Make the most of those opportunities.
From all of us at Tiny Apple Bytes, Merry Christmas, God Bless You.